Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced that the Thermo Scientific NanoDrop line of micro-volume spectroscopy systems makes its debut at PITTCON 2008. These unique instruments utilize a patented technology that enables easy measurement of UV-Vis and fluorescence without the use of cuvettes. The Thermo Scientific NanoDrop family of products, recently acquired by Thermo Fisher, extends the company's molecular spectroscopy portfolio for increasing applications involving small sample volumes. Thermo Scientific NanoDrop products will be showcased at the Thermo Scientific booth 1741 and at the Fisher Scientific booth 1721 at PITTCON 2008, being held March 3 – 6 in New Orleans.

The Thermo Scientific NanoDrop instruments eliminate cuvettes and associated dilutions, resulting in more reliable measurements. An undiluted one-microliter sample is pipetted directly onto the measurement surface. After a quick spectral reading, the sample is simply wiped away in preparation for the next sample. The instruments are used to measure the quantity and purity of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as associated fluorescent labels. Such measurements are routinely needed for quality control and sample preparation at multiple process points in many applications, including microarray probe preparations, PCR template normalization, small molecule crystallization, sequencing, antibodies, microgenomics, proteomics, genotyping and FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer). These applications are used in such diverse fields as cancer research, microbiology, drug discovery, forensics, histocompatibility and diagnostics.

“The micro-volume capability, unmatched speed, simplicity and reliability of these instruments enable researchers to employ spectrophotometric analysis in ways they never thought possible,” said Dr. Ian Jardine, vice president of global research and development for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Because the hurdle for performing a measurement is substantially reduced, users have integrated the instruments into their workflow and can now make a greater number of measurements than ever before. This is leading to an increase in the overall quality of experimental data and a higher degree of confidence in the validity of conclusions.”

Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 1000 SpectrophotometerThe NanoDrop 1000 takes UV-Vis absorbance spectra of one-microliter samples. By using two different path lengths for each measurement cycle, it covers an extensive, dynamic range (2 to 3700 ng/ul for dsDNA). This allows readings of samples up to 50 times higher in concentration than can be measured on classical one-cm cuvette-based systems, virtually eliminating the need to perform dilutions.

Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 8000 SpectrophotometerThe NanoDrop 8000 takes UV-Vis absorbance spectra of eight samples simultaneously, allowing researchers to work with larger numbers of samples in less time, while providing the overall capabilities of the NanoDrop 1000. An eight-channel pipette quickly dispenses the samples onto a linear array of pedestals. Researchers can measure 96 samples in less than six minutes and can perform quality control checks at critical control points throughout the workflow – in ways that are either difficult or not feasible using single-sample spectrophotometers or plate readers.

Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 3300 FluorospectrometerThe NanoDrop 3300 performs broad spectrum fluorescent analysis with patent-pending technology that delivers a wide excitation range without requiring filter changes or a monochromator. The micro-volume capability lowers the fluorescent detection limit for sample mass by more than an order of magnitude over conventional fluorometers (e.g., two pg dsDNA – the equivalent of that in a single cell). In addition, it has operational simplicity comparable to less versatile instruments, making it less intimidating to investigators who have limited experience with fluorescence techniques.

For more information on the Thermo Scientific NanoDrop family of instruments, please visit booths 1721 and 1741 at PITTCON 2008.